Peer Support Network (PSN)

The PSN is a Volunteer-organized, developed and coordinated program to maintain a diverse group of PCVs selected and trained to provide confidential, non-judgmental emotional support to their peers.
Peer Supporters have been trained in how to listen and help you successfully work through whatever it is you are going through. They are open and willing to listen to you, any time, any day of the week.

How it works:
Volunteers and Trainees are encouraged to take advantage of this service. Each of the Peer Supporters has a phone dedicated to use for support purposes only, paid for by Peace Corps. If you would like to talk to a Peer Supporter, merely text message or buzz (visov) them and they will call you back. As this service is not meant to be used in cases of emergency, the Peer Supporter may not be able to call you back if they are in the middle of a meeting or class. If this is the case, he or she will let you know immediately about when he or she will be able to call you back and give you his/her full attention – and that will always be within 24 hours of your first call.

Note on Confidentiality:

All phone calls are completely confidential. Peer Supporters do not discuss specific cases among themselves or with anyone else.

Please note: in situations where it’s apparent that the PCV/PCT may physically hurt himself/herself or others, or in cases of significant safety and security incidents that place the PCV/PCT in immediately danger, confidentiality will be extended to the PCMO. The Peer Supporter will encourage the PCV/PCT to talk to the PCMO first, and will inform the PCV/PCT involved of the Peer Supporter’s responsibility to extend confidentiality to the PCMO in such cases.

A little bit about us...

Charlie
English Education, Oguz
Hey dudes, my name is Charlie and I’m 25. I live in Oguz, which is a small town, and have no site mates (but an awesome rayon-mate). I am fond of long walks, philosophy, the rap music, the movie-films, and a nice glass of wine. Telephone me sometime and we shall have a lovely discourse.

Jon
English Education, Bilasuvar
Hey, my name is Jon Elkin and I am an English Education Volunteer in Bilasuvar. I am 23 years old. I’m originally from Boston, Massachusetts, and I am a huge Red Sox fan. The Peace Corps experience is unique for everyone so please don’t hesitate to call whenever you would like some support.

Emma
Youth Development, Shamaxi
Hi! My name is Emma Jackson. I'm a 25-year-old married volunteer. I work in Youth Development at the Russian School in Shamaxi. I love hobbies, from afghan crocheting to Ziploc-bag-washing. If you ever need to talk or vent, or even just to celebrate, give me a call!

Hiba
Youth Development, Lankaran
Hi! My name is Hiba Hakam. I'm a 23-year-old Youth Development Volunteer living in Lankaran and working for a Human Rights Organization. I'm from Dallas, Texas, and graduated with a degree in Social Work. "Feel free to call me and emotionally barf in my ear!"TM.